Workouts really do rock at this Bolton fitness class

It’s time to rock – at the gym.

For a fitness instructor in Bolton is inviting rock and metal lovers to try a workout class with a difference.

Rockfit is a full-body fitness class set to a soundtrack of guitar anthems, giving participants the opportunity to “rock out” while they work out.

The classes have been running in Bolton since May 2023, led by coach Alicia Abbott, 33, from Doncaster, who has built a “beautiful community of amazing people”.

The class blends cardio, body sculpting and toning routines with a high-energy playlist featuring artists such as Queen, Bon Jovi, Slipknot, Korn and System of a Down.

Originally launched in Plymouth, Rockfit has grown into a nationwide phenomenon, with classes now held across the UK.

The rock and roll workout has also featured at Download Festival, one of the country’s largest rock festivals, with more than 300 people taking part.

Alicia told The Bolton News: “Rockfit is about more than just fitness; it’s about bringing people together through music and movement.”

Alicia has supported on stage at both Download and Bloodstock Open Air with the head Rockfit team.

She has also run and co-hosted several Manchester events for the Rockfit community, including a Rockathon at The Met in Bury, bringing the energy of live music straight into fitness.

The Rockfit team at Rockathon (Image: Supplied)

Alicia’s fitness background

“Up to around 2020, I’d never been into fitness,” said Alicia, who works as an advertising media buyer.

“Fitness for me was going to the gym and walking on a treadmill for 30 minutes. I was a couch potato at my heaviest weight.”

However, in May 2020, Alicia saw a post on Facebook shared by a friend about something called “Rockfit Online”.

Although apprehensive at first, she was inspired by a post saying a month of classes was “the same cost as a takeaway,” and thought she’d give it a go.

Becoming obsessed with the classes, Alicia lost two-and-a-half stone and joined her first in-person Rockfit class in Rochdale after Covid restrictions eased.

Alicia teaching on stage (Image: Supplied)

“In 2023, I finally decided to train as an instructor,” said Alicia.

“I went from being a couch potato with no fitness background to being a fully qualified fitness instructor with my own class.”

Described as inclusive and suitable for all fitness levels, Alicia’s classes aim to offer an alternative to traditional gym workouts, particularly for those who feel more at home in a mosh pit than on a running machine.

Alicia hopes more Bolton residents will come along and give it a try.

Rockfit classes are held on Thursdays from 7.30pm to 8.30pm at Trinity Methodist Church in Tonge Fold.

The first class costs just £1, with subsequent sessions priced at £6 each.

For more information about Rockfit classes in Bolton, readers can search for Rockfit Bolton on social media or email Alicia atRockfitAllie@hotmail.com.